'American Idol': Too much is never enough

It began with a blood-curdling scream; a scream so piercing and primal that it could mean only one thing.  An adolescent girl was just minutes away from seeing David Archuleta in the flesh.   

Last night was my first time attending an "American Idol" taping, and during the long walk from my car to the theater, hordes of "Idol" fans trekked along with me. They wailed across the parking lot, bellowed through the metal detector, and yelped into the holding area.

"That's him!" Whispered a teenage girl behind me while we waited for the doors to open.  "I'm so mad they took my phone," whined her gal pal, desperate to snap a photo of the celebrity in question.  I turned to find "him," Carly Smithson's husband, sitting away from the crowd.  His tattoos stretched from ear to ear, making it impossible for him to hide. Fallen Idol Luke Menard, however, blended in just fine. He was also within shrieking distance of the women, but they didn't seem to notice.

"Oh. My. God," intoned one Uggs-clad Idol junkie as we awaited our grand entrance into the Idoldome. "Ohmylordohmylordohmylord," exclaimed her dutiful doppelganger.   

Finally, the line moved inside, and the set was revealed.  "It's smaller than I thought," remarked Uggs-girl, perplexed. "They do a good job making it look big," nodded her sidekick. I couldn't help but agree. There was something decidedly anticlimactic about entering the "Idol" studio for the first time. Not only did the set appear dinky in person, but the seating area was pretty primitive too.  I'm not sure what I expected, but the mismatched chairs definitely came as a surprise; some had even been mended with duct tape.   

Once the show began, however, so did the magic.  The lights dimmed, and a mix of blaring music, smoke machines and screaming graphics transformed the simple space into a feast for the senses. The judges emerged, and Simon Cowell looked almost like a caricature of himself, with his puffed-out chest, omnipresent smirk, and defiant sexiness.

Even during the less-than-stellar performances, a sense of wonder permeated the studio. "Pitchy" or not, there was something incredibly powerful about the gently swaying background singers and twinkling stars that framed Syesha Mercado during her performance of "I Believe."

The greatest surprise of the evening came from Kristy Lee Cook, a contestant who had previously approached the competition with an apathy bordering on resignation. Tonight, however, something changed. In her glittery gold tank, crisp white pants and cascading blonde curls, even Simon had to admit that Kristy looked like a star. During her rendition of Martina McBride's "Anyway," Kristy was commanding and self-aware. Plus, the lyrics couldn’t have been more apropos: "You can pour your soul out singing a song you believe in that tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang.  Sing it anyway." 

Between segments, a man named Cory took to the stage, tasked with keeping the audience excited. During one break, he pointed out celebrities like Taylor Swift and Sinbad in the audience (and revealed that Sinbad had a soft spot for Syesha). During another break, Cory recruited audience members to gyrate on stage in a manner that Simon probably would have deemed "grotesque." Nonetheless, Cory's antics managed to delight the audience. 

And within that ever-rowdy audience, each "Idol" hopeful had their share of fans. One Idol, however, elicited worship beyond compare.  Yes, David Archuleta inspired such feverish loyalty from his fans that the mere mention of his name could have started a riot.  David's moving and effortless rendition of "Angels" only confirmed what the audience already knew.  This one is different; this one is our man.

The evening coasted on, in a cloud of fog, flashing lights, and snippets of Seacrest (who seemed to be in at least three places at all times). Before I knew it, just one performer -– Brooke White -– remained, and soon enough, she too left the stage.  The show was over.  The judges retreated, the overhead lights came on, and Cory emerged, telling us when to file out and which way to go. "No," replied a woman beside me, to nobody in particular.  "It was too short.  I'm not ready to go." 

-- Stephanie Lysaght

(Photo courtesy Fox)

Comments

[DavidAfan]

david Archuleta simply fabolous!!
last night I became in his biggest fan. I know now
why people go crazy with this boy..
He is the number 1!

[CaliGirlxoxo]

I think David Archuletta should be voted off tomorrow, he was very boring and lacks personality.

[Bill]

I love Carly Smithson, and believe that she is the best singer in the competition. I am worried; however, that she could be in trouble after her performance last night which was not her best. I hated Kristy Lee Cook, and have been wanting to see her gone, but I must grudgingly admit that her performance last night was excellent.

[Moi]

I haven't really been a fan of Kristy Lee Cook though I found her performance outstanding last night. I find her personality to be irritating at times...something a bit arrogant about her. Self assurance certainly plays a big part but I can't help but recall Amanda's facial expressions when Kristy was apparently trying to comfort her or apologize or something at Amanda's elimination. I suspect her ovations may have seemed disingenuous. I think she has an uber-competitive edge to her, however, and her song choices certainly show that, as Simon has mentioned. She rocked it last night.

And Carly, girl, I am pulling for you but you have to rise above the minutia and perform like the star you are!

[Didoletta]

Archie should not even be in the final 12, week after week he just shows how limited he is. So far he sang only 1 song that can be called 'up beat' and he choked. Other than that he sings these slooooooww songs, and last night...come one, he sings Angels by RW, and how many people have sang that song in the last 7 seasons that sang it WAAYYY better than he did, and I'm not just talking about American Idol, he reminds me of a heart lung machine, up-and-down-up-and-down... He starts of with this nazally - close to drowsy voice and then the moment he realizes that he is in trouble he wakes up and starts belting out a couple of notes but then he just goes back into hibernation, but I guess Idols is after all a popularity contest and not a singing contest, it would be a shame if he wins...

[Paisley Quinn]

OK What is wrong with you???? How could you omit the most memorable and magical performance of the night -- the only truly inspirational song was Jason Castro's Brudda Iz rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." All of America is talking about it today. Randy and Simon are eating a huge helping of "crow pie" after having recently discounted him as a contender. Maybe I should save YOU a slice?

[Steve Green]

The show last night was one of the best of the season. This group is so talented, it is going to be amazing to see how they wind up in the voiting- today and in the future. Best performances last night were Jason, Michael, Kristy, David A. Syesha was good but just can't seem to connect with the audience for some reason. I think one Whitney Houston is enough.
David C., Carly did not give performances even close to their capabilities. David C. will survive, I'm not sure about Carly though she has one of the best voices if not the best. She seemed to fight the song (which she has done before) and instead of making it look easy llike Kristy did, she made it look hard which makes the audience uncomfortable. Brook has a good voice but her performance was sort of bland I think. Bottom three for tonight....Brook, Carly and either Syesha or David C. David deserves it but Syesha will probabaly get it. I think either Carly or Syesha will be leaving.

[JRT]

I am watching with absolute fascination the phenomena that is David Archuleta , not because he isn’t real but because it is so unreal to a lot of people!

The way he presents himself and his values was the norm in the 1950’s. People his age were naive. A lot of the best music was written and sung by very young people, little Stevie Wonder, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, many Doo Wop bands, many early rock and roll songs, blues, soul etc. It was not uncommon for these young people to really put their life’s work, heart and soul into music.
So why should it be so uncommon now?

Because this is the next generation, once removed from that era, who don’t know about their parent’s past.

Our present day society and values makes us doubt David and question everything about him because he seems so different. Speculation about his father, his sexuality, his intent, etc.

This is a sad reflection of our present culture and mind set, where music is cheap, sex is cheap, people are cheap, money is god, people have no values, children are abused, and people don‘t trust each other, or their government, or their church.

People want what the David’s of the world have to offer, but are very afraid to believe that maybe he really does just love to sing. That’s why he has such a broad appeal, because he IS what he really represents, and a lot of people can see that.
David A is the real deal.

Girl from the 50’s.

[Liz]

All of you haters need to go away. David A. is clearly the most talented. You might not like his style, but to say he shouldn't have been in the top 12 is just ridiculous and stupid. He has more talent in his pinky than your favorite contestant. So go away trolls. David A. is wonderful and he is going to win, so get used to it.

[susan]

David Archuleta has already won everyone's heart with his voice, youth, smile and humble attitude. What a great role model for our younger generation. I am not a teen but a 40+ year old Mom who can't wait to watch David Archuleta and the rest of the remaining talent on AI every week. David Archuleta has already won American Idol for me. Go David, ignore the negative remarks, they are just envious, because you have a lot more to offer than any of the others. DAVID ARCHULETA for AI 2008 (by the way, he is probably the most marketable contenstant in the whole AI seasons.

[Val]

By the way the name is DAVID ARCHULETA not ARCHIE. Have some respect for his talent, youth, and courage to put up with the envious people who are clueless about real talent and role models. No I am not a tween either, but a 35 year old who already downloaded all his songs and can't wait to buy his CD's Go David Archuleta. You are my american idol.

[James]

In total, a dull and lifeless show. I'm nowhere near as excited by this group as many appear to be. That may be the fault of the show's format, though. If you take a risk and fail, you're sure to be assaulted by judges and critics and probably on your way home on results night.

David A. (unfortunately) will win -- heck, we knew that from Day 1. 19 Entertainment wants their own little Hannah Montana-like star

[pinkyyy]

CaliGirlxoxo u need a life cuz david archuleta is the real deal no doubt abut that.
david cook needs more of these kind ov nights and david archuleta will win it easily.........and even if david cook stays,simon has already predicted the winner that is david archuleta!!!!!

[elle]

Wow! Stephanie you went all the trouble of driving and waiting in line until you get seated just so you can criticize the show, the contestants and even the studio. There was no single sentence in your article that doesn't include criticism, you must be one perfect human being. I'm in awe.

[pinkyyyy]

CaliGirlxoxo get a life.cuz u r a total confusion
david a will win this season ,comfortably!
as 4 the 'cook',he will last no longer!!!!!

[Marg]

I am not happy with Simon's comments on David Cook's performance last night!! I think David was a great help in setting the stage for Idol gives back that is showing tonight! David has courage and a kind spirit. Simon should not stifle that. David is also the best singer on Idol this year!

[Marg]

I am not happy with Simon's comments on David Cook's performance last night!! I think David was a great help in setting the stage for Idol gives back that is showing tonight! David has courage and a kind spirit. Simon should not stifle that. David is also the best singer on Idol this year!

[lucille rose]

I think David Cook has the most wow factor in this voice. He's oringinal, takes chances, doesn't copy anyone else - he has a great sounding voice. I think David A. needs to
develop his voice more and let it out. He's holding back it seems. The other singers have good voices but are not original enough, or do not pick the right songs
to show off their vocal talent. Michael Johns has great voice - not original enough. That's all for now.

[coolio]

I totally agree with you, girl from the 50's. You wrote exactly what needs to be said. I can only add that my loves back then were The Beatles, Buddy Holly, then came Led Zeplin and Jimmy Hendricks, and now I'm hooked on David A. He is an amazing talent. Too cute for words and my 29 year old daughter and 31 year old son agree, he has the voice! Who cares about marketing. This is supposed to be a talent search. We all know who's going to win and not the other David. Like Simon sees it, he's smug, overly self assured, and a bit persumptious. My vote David Archuleta folks, hardly another Milie Cyrus.

[American7718]

Tonights american idol was the most insulting of them all especially that coward Simon. Going on about how poor people live from an angle that is about mocking them, not feeling sorry for them. This show needs to be cancelled. I cannot believe I actually called and voted for Carrie Underwood. Every celebrity and singer on tonights show is a complete joke.

[Pippy]

Hehehe..this one is your "man"...but seriously..yes he is the next Donny Osmond...and will delight us for a few years with song lyrics like "Girl, put down that doll and jump on the back of my bike" and "Nah, Don't cry, i'll kiss your boo-boo".... ooohhh swoon.

[andy]

I don't understand all the hoo haa about David Archuleta. Yes, he is a good singer, but, he always seems like he is about to break down and cry.......intensity is one thing but an obvious lack of maturity is another. Top star, I don't think so. Latest tweener heart throb, probably.

[tammy Walter]

The moment I saw David A's audition I knew he would win. He won my heart that day and a million others. Intention, Soul, Spirit (and a beautiful voice) - the person he is - all comes thru from the idol stage into our living room and ultimately into our hearts. One of my favorite saying is... you can run but you can't hide. It's the reason you can walk into an elevator and get a creepy feeling about someone and want to bolt and the reason you can meet someone and instantly love them. That's why David A. will win. We loved him instantly.

[Michael Hall]

David A. may win this thing but the one that will have the best career is David Cook. The man can sing and he has his own style. To make it in the music business you have to be your own artist, not copying someone else. He is the only one this year that can do that.

[Sam Lim]

STOP FIGHTING, David Archuleta will WIN !
HE IS THE EPITOME OF THE REAL AMERICAN IDOL !

I have nothing against David Cook - I find him like a DRAMA QUEEN ! I saw him crying last night in AI. Stop being a DRAMA QUEEN it doesn't fit you. What a man? Hey, DUDES you need to be strong - act like a MAN! ( No Offense: It just gross me out ! ). One time he was hospitalized - Is this just a publicity stunt vying for attention or maybe he is not getting much screaming fans like David Archuleta.

[samrlim]

STOP FIGHTING, DAVID ARCHULETA WILL WIN !!! FOR HE HAS A BROADER APPEAL.

HE IS THE EPITOME OF THE REAL AMERICAN IDOL !

[davidagirl]

I THINK DAVID A WILL WIN BIG TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Debra horner]

I think david will win he is so hot